This is how Julia‘s poem Belonging, written in 2012 begins. Julia came to England in 1957, her husband Janos the previous year. Julia and Janos describe themselves as a Jewish couple from Hungary. They have been living in Britain for over 60 years; neither of them, however, feel they have arrived yet. Both consider Britain their home, but they do not feel integrated. As Julia says herself: ‘We have been here for such a long time. The country is a very tolerant one. We integrated on the surface, but we are like strange flowers who are just on the periphery looking in.’

The notion of identity is very present in Julia and Janos’ lives. They feel strongly about not having been accepted in this country while their country of birth has also always rejected them. As Julia puts it: ‘Home was never Hungary because we were classed as Jews from Hungary. (...) There is a distinction because I was made aware all my young life that I was different.’ The best day of her life was the day she left Hungary. In Britain, their accent gives them away. Both believe that not being British is why they were never able to make long-term English friends. ‘There is a hairline barrier between us and the British. There is always this “Where do you come from?”’

Julia and Janos’ story is part of the ‘My Story’ testimony project from The Association of Jewish Refugees.